Back-Up Planning
Here are steps to create a data backup plan to protect your files.
1) Divide your files into:
- Critical / Used frequently - this would include recent financial data, like Quicken, tax information, files with personal information, and work documents
- Critical / Rarely used - old financial statements, family photos
- Non-critical
- Used frequently - Music files burned from CDs
- Rarely used - Application files, if you have the installation CD
2) Critical / Used frequently - Use our backup software to copy these files to your online backup storage daily plus to an external hard drive weekly. Our software can do both.
3) Critical / Rarely used - burn a copy to a CD or DVD and copy to an external hard drive. Every 5 to 8 years, re-burn the files to avoid losing the files because CDs/DVDs degrade (see note below).
4) Non-critical files - If you have originals, such as music CDs, don't use online storage space. If you have a large external hard drive, you can back them up there to avoid wasting time later ripping those CDs again or installing a program again. If the files are digital only, then back them up to an external hard drive at least once.
You should also create at least one time a set of recovery discs. These are Windows system discs that will allow for easier recovery if something should happen to your hard drive.
To make recovery discs:
In Windows XP, go to Start -> Accessories -> Backup and choose the Advanced Mode. Double click the file, Automated Recovery Wizard.
In Windows 7, go to the Control Panel -> System and Security -> Backup and Restore and choose Create a system repair disc.
The wizard will walk you through the creation. It will take a few DVDs. Once complete, store those discs in a safe place such as a fire safe.
Note on burnable CDs/DVDs - Burnable CDs/DVDs degrade on average after about 10 years. It depends on the quality of the CD which is difficult to tell from the name brand. Manufactures outsource to different companies. -